How to Say ‘First of all / for now’ in German
Erst mal
ayrst mahl
[ayrst mahl]
🇩🇪 In Germany: [erst mal] often makes an invitation sound warmer and less abrupt. In a doorway situation like this, it feels very natural.
Phrase Breakdown
Erst
[ayrst]
first; for now
Here it suggests doing something first before anything else.
Erst mal trinken wir einen Kaffee.
First, we'll have a coffee.
mal
[mahl]
just; for the moment; first
Short for 'einmal' in spoken German; makes the phrase sound natural and friendly.
Erst mal komm rein und entspann dich.
First just come in and relax.
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